Novatel GNSS-501 User manual

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GNSS-501 & GNSS-502
Antennas
GM-14915144 Rev 3 December 2019
USER GUIDE
The GNSS-501 and GNSS-502 are active antennas designed to receive signals from GPS, GLONASS,
BeiDou and Galileo satellites as well as L-Band signals.
The GNSS-501 antenna is designed to operate in GPS L1, GLONASS L1 and L-Band frequencies. The
GNSS-501 also supports Galileo E1 frequency and the BeiDou B1 frequency.
The GNSS-502 antenna is designed to operate in GPS L1/L2, GLONASS L1/L2 and L-Band frequencies.
The GNSS-502 also supports the Galileo E1 and E5b frequencies as well as BeiDou B1 and B2
frequencies.
This guide provides the basic information you need to install and begin using your new antenna.
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
The following equipment is required to set up the GNSS-501 or GNSS-502 antenna:
• Coaxial cable with a male TNC connector
• A device with an antenna input port that both receives the RF signal and provides 3.3 - 18.0 VDC to the
antenna (all NovAtel GNSS receivers provide the necessary power through their antenna RF
connectors)
SITE SELECTION GUIDELINES
Before installing the antenna, select a site that as closely as possible meets the following conditions for
optimal performance:
• An unobstructed line-of-sight from horizon to horizon and at all bearings and elevation angles
• As far as possible from reflective objects, especially those that are above the antenna and any water
bodies, which can be a strong source of multipath reflections
• If obstructions and reflective surfaces are within 30 m, ensure the site is as high as possible. Otherwise,
mount the antenna as close as possible to a reference ground plane, i.e., rooftop, earth, etc., if one
exists.

To avoid potential adverse effects, do not locate antennas near any high
sources of heat.

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INSTALLING THE ANTENNA
After a site has been selected, install the antenna as follows:
1. Mount the antenna on a secure, stable structure using the provided magnetic mounts. A surface
mounting plate (NovAtel P/N 01018317) is also available for mounting on non-magnetic surfaces.
2. Attach the TNC connector of the coaxial cable to the antenna’s TNC connector. Attach the other end of
the coaxial cable to the antenna input port of the receiving device, which must provide power as
detailed in the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide. All NovAtel GNSS receivers provide the
necessary power through their antenna RF connectors.
MECHANICAL DRAWING
TNC connector
Dimensions are in millimeters.

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MOUNTING PLATE (NOVATEL P/N 01018317)
ANTENNA CARE
The GNSS-501 and GNSS-502 are designed to withstand the elements, including rain, snow, and dust.
However, to ensure your antenna performs optimally, keep the radome (the top surface of the antenna)
clean and brush off any ice and snow.

The optimal screw penetration into the mounting holes is 6 mm (±1 mm) deep. When selecting
screws for mounting, ensure the screw penetration does not exceed this specification. Using
excessively long screws can damage the antenna enclosure.

Two magnetic mounts are installed on
the bottom of the antennas. Refer to
“Mechanical Drawing” on page 2 for the
location of the magnetic mounts.
Dimensions are in inches.

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SPECIFICATIONS
GNSS-501 GNSS-502
Radio Frequency
Pass band (typical)
Upper band: 1588.5 ± 23.0 MHz
L-Band 1545.0 ± 20.0 MHz
Upper band: 1588.0 ± 23.0 MHz
Lower band: 1220.0 ± 31.0 MHz
L-Band: 1555.0 ± 10.0 MHz
Out-of-band rejection (typical)
band edges ± 50 MHz
band edges ± 100 MHz
15 dB (typical)
25 dB (typical)
15 dB (typical)
25 dB (typical)
Gain at zenith (= 90°) (min)
L1/B1/E1/G1: +4.0 dBic
L-Band: +4.0 dBic
L1/B1/E1/G1: +4.0 dBic
L2/B2/G2/E5b: +4.0 dBic
L-Band: +4.0 dBic
Gain roll-off (zenith to horizon) L1/B1/E1/G1/L-Band 12 dB L1/L2/B1/B2/E1/E5b/
G1/G2/L-Band 12 dB
LNA gain (typical) 29 dB L1: 34 dB
L2: 38 dB
Polarization Right-hand circular
Noise figure (typical) 2.5 dB typical
L1-L2 differential propagation
delay (maximum)
-7ns
Nominal impedance 50 
VSWR 2.0 : 1
Power
Input voltage 3.3 - 18.0 VDC
Current (typical) 20 mA
Environmental
Operating temperature -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F)
Storage temperature -55°C to +85°C (-67°F to +185°F)
Random Vibration (operating) MIL-STD-810G(CH1), 514.7 Annex E Procedure 1, Category 24
Salt Fog MIL-STD-810G(CH1), 509.6
Shock MIL-STD-810G(CH1), 516.7 (40 g) Procedure 1
Bump IEC 68-2-27 Ea (25 g)
Water/Dust Resistance IP67, IP69K
Physical
Diameter 155 mm (6.10")
Weight 450 g (15.88 oz)

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WEEE NOTICE
If you purchased your GNSS-501 or GNSS-502 antenna in Europe, return it to your dealer or supplier at
the end of its life. The objectives of the European Community's environment policy are, in particular, to
preserve, protect and improve the quality of the environment, protect human health and utilize natural
resources prudently and rationally. Sustainable development advocates the reduction of wasteful
consumption of natural resources and the prevention of pollution. Waste electrical and electronic
equipment (WEEE) is a regulated area. Where the generation of waste cannot be avoided, it should be
reused or recovered for its material or energy. WEEE products may be recognized by their wheeled bin
label ( ).1
ROHS
The GNSS-501 and GNSS-502 are compliant with the European Union (EU) Restriction of Hazardous
Substances (RoHS) Directive 2011/65/EU.
REACH
The GNSS-501 and GNSS-502 are compliant with Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 OF THE EUROPEAN
PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation,
Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). The Candidate List of Substances of Very High
Concern (SVHC) published by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) is updated occasionally and
available at https://echa.europa.eu/candidate-listtable. Please contact NovAtel Customer Support if you
require further information.
FCC
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (ISED)
This device complies with CAN ICES-003(B) / NMB-3 (B).
PATENT NOTICE
The GNSS-501 and GNSS-502 antenna is manufactured and protected under U.S. Patents #14/331,948
(patent pending).
1. See www.novatel.com | Products | WEEE and RoHS for more information.